WASHINGTON, DC - Communities specifically designed for Baby Boomer and older residents in Salinas, Calif., Bellevue, Wash., and Peachtree City, Ga., are just a few of the many areas recognized by the National Association of Home Builders. Awards presented to the developers of these communities were part of the Building for Boomers and Beyond Symposium sponsored by the association and held last month in Philadelphia. The awards honored excellence and innovation in the design, development and marketing of housing for consumers 50 years and older.
"This year's winners incorporated a high level of quality and lifestyle specific amenities to their projects," Pat Kelley, a St. Louis builder and chairman this year of the association's 50+ Housing Council, said in a statement. "Buyers and residents in this economic climate need to feel that their home purchase is going to provide exactly what will make their lives easy and satisfying. This year's entrants stepped up to the plate and supplied competitive and attractive projects for the 50+ market."
There were 80 awards given in a variety of categories, from assisted-living communities to free-standing home communities to multi-family home communities. For the complete list go here.
The Sherwood Village Senior Apartments in Salinas won the gold medal for Best 50+ Renovated Housing. In Bellevue, the Bellettini won for Best Congregate/Independent Living Community. The Towne Club at Peachtree City won for Best Multifamily Rental.
As previously examined here, the association did a survey in conjunction with MetLife and determined that Baby Boomers want to age in place, but in wanting to do so they are migrating to areas and communities that meet their lifestyle needs.
The association in its awards cited Heritage at Todd Creek near Denver, Colo., for Best Clubhouse at an Active Adult Community.
The association cited a variety of amenities in keeping with the notion that construction for Baby Boomers will need to fit their needs:
The community is comprised of single family attached and detached homes in the suburb of Thornton,
It features a resort style clubhouse with every activity on one level,
The clubhouse sits on a hilltop to give residents optimum views of the 18-hole golf course and the front range of the Rocky Mountains,
Each wing of the clubhouse, branching from the main lobby, has a different activity theme making it easy for residents to navigate,
Wellness and community interaction is the central focus with amenities such as game and computer rooms, fitness center, indoor pool, aerobics room, library, grand ballroom, restaurant and lounge, and pro shop,
Beyond the clubhouse, tennis courts, walking trails, and an outdoor pool promote a continuous active lifestyle.
Source: NAHB.org